Kilt as part of Steampunk costume

[imbrius]

I'm photographing an Steampunk-themed event in June of this year. I would like to get in on the fun by putting together a Steampunk-style costume. My immediate thought was a set of spongebag trousers would be ideal but those are hard to find. So I was wondering if I could put together a reasonable Steampunk costume whilst still remaining respectful of the kilt and the heritage it represents.

My idea was to wear black Oxfords, probably some brighter hose (Mustard or Denim), darker flashes, my kilt, a plain black day sporran (perhaps with an aged-finish decorative gear-gadget affixed to the flap or front with removable, leather-safe adhesive, a charcoal waistcoat, pocket watch with gear fob, and gingham shirt. I might or might not wear a tie (if I do, I'd probably complement or match the flashes). I also have a steampunk-looking double-glass loupe that clips on to my eyeglass frames (that I actually use in my mundane life for soldering and component assembly).

Thoughts? Mine are that it should be no less respectful than any other fantasy costume but I could be totally off-base here.

[Karl R]

Thoughts? Mine are that it should be no less respectful than any other fantasy costume but I could be totally off-base here.

I'm the wrong person to answer the "respectful" question. But for something with a Steampunk theme, a pith helmet would probably work for a hat. Alternatively, you could wear a Balmoral or Glengarry, while replacing the standard badge with something more Steampunk themed.

[imbrius]

I'm the wrong person to answer the "respectful" question. But for something with a Steampunk theme, a pith helmet would probably work for a hat. Alternatively, you could wear a Balmoral or Glengarry, while replacing the standard badge with something more Steampunk themed.

If this were an outdoor event, I would (a) order a Fawn Balmoral and (b) make a steampunk-ish cap badge. But this event is indoors so no headwear necessary or desired.

[Steve Ashton]

The city of Victoria has a huge Steampunk group and an annual gathering.

My wife and I have attended in appropriate costume.

[Rmadigan]

What the heck is Steampunk?

[FossilHunter]

What the heck is Steampunk?

Google describes it as well as I could:

“a genre of science fiction that has a historical setting and typically features steam-powered machinery rather than advanced technology.
"if you like steampunk, this is a great book for you"
a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.”

The will smith version of Wild Wild West would be considered steampunk. Giant, steam-powered, mechanical spiders and whatnot.

[Farmer Jones]

What the heck is Steampunk?

Steampunk is essentially an alternate history which seems to have arisen from a novel "The Difference Engine" by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling. If you enjoy reading novels, then this book is a most excellent introduction to the idea. The movie "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" with Sean Connery, which in my opinion was dreadful, also presents such an alternate history. People dress in clothing which roughly corresponds to any time between 1820 and 1920, and carry scientific and technological looking accoutrements, often bearing cogs to emphasize the mechanical nature of the period.

[FossilHunter]

If this were an outdoor event, I would (a) order a Fawn Balmoral and (b) make a steampunk-ish cap badge. But this event is indoors so no headwear necessary or desired.

I feel that the headwear indoors question is moot if in costume.

Top hats and pith helmets seem to be the go to for steam punk. With gears glued to them.

[Stan]

Have fun, wear what ever you have, and enjoy the event. It's "your gear", and your going to have fun utilizing what YOU bought...Frankly (and as a guy who own 14 wool kilts, AND plays in a pipe band) I think that there's a lot of over thinking about " garment respect" going on in "the kilt world"... I'm sure that we'll all be looking forward to, and enjoy seeing the photos (if you can post them) of the GREAT time that you had!!!

Stan

[CollinMacD]

How can you wear an authentic clothing when in fact STEAMPUNK is nothing more than fantasy, mimicking the late 19th and early 20th Century. So does it really matter what you wear, as long as you are in the theme of the program. We are splitting hairs on something that never existed. Many of the accessories that are being sold are 20th century made to look 19th Victorian. Just have fun with you impression, go and enjoy, to me Steampunk is nothing more that Comic Con type event. HAVE FUN...